Outemu Crystal vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

Introducing the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Sea Glass, two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages for different typing experiences. The Crystal switches are praised for their unique elasticity, providing a medium-light feel that adds a touch of novelty to your typing. In addition, these switches produce a neutral sound profile, ensuring a quiet and undisturbed environment while you work. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches from Durock are visually captivating with their pastel colors and are a favorite among users. These switches offer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, thanks to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and effortless to press due to their frictionless nature. Furthermore, their typing experience is accompanied by a uniquely hollow sound signature. However, these are just generalities, so let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision on which switch is right for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$3.40 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Sea Glass have significant differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Crystal utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clear, resonant sound. This material offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a crisper typing experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate's translucency is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Sea Glass features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend presents a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. While it may not have the sharpness of the polycarbonate, it offers its own distinct qualities that can appeal to individuals seeking a different sound profile.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Crystal once again incorporates polycarbonate, enhancing its overall sound characteristics. This material's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant bottom-out sound, adding a satisfying feel when typing. The polycarbonate's translucency further contributes to the aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Sea Glass utilizes a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This unique composition brings its own set of qualities to the switch, resulting in a distinctive bottom-out sound and feel. While it may lack the sharpness of the polycarbonate, it provides a different tactile experience that can be appreciated by those who prefer a less pronounced bottom-out sound.

When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, both switches emphasize the importance of the top housing in determining the sound profile upon key release. This is where the Crystal's polycarbonate top housing shines, as its stiffness and clarity contribute to a sharp and resonant sound when keys are let go. Similarly, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offer a pleasant sound profile, albeit one that is not particularly sharp but still possesses brightness. On the other hand, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing ensures a clear and resonant impact, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend bottom housing provides its own unique tactile experience.

In summary, while the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Crystal, with its polycarbonate housing, delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound and a clear bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Sea Glass, featuring a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, presents a pleasant and slightly brighter sound profile with a distinct tactile feel. Whether one prefers the crispness of the Crystal or the smoother brightness of the Sea Glass, both switches offer options to cater to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches have a force of 45 grams, indicating a light and swift keystroke activation. This similarity ensures that users will have a similar typing experience when it comes to initiating keystrokes on either switch.

However, the bottom out force provides a distinguishing factor between the two switches. The Outemu Crystal has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Durock Sea Glass has a slightly higher bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Sea Glass switch requires a slightly heavier force to fully press the keys down compared to the Crystal switch.

Considering weight preferences, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Outemu Crystal more suitable for their needs. Its lighter bottom out force allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and sturdy typing feel might opt for the Durock Sea Glass, as its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a greater tactile feedback.

Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Durock Sea Glass can provide a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience compared to the Outemu Crystal due to its higher bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches, it becomes evident that the Crystal has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. These variances may appear minimal, but they can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. The Crystal with its 4.0mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a moderate depth that many users find comfortable. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's 3.8mm travel distance is slightly shallower, appealing to those who prefer a quicker response time and a more reactive feel. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances can sometimes feel abrupt, lacking the depth that some individuals prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference. If a more responsive typing experience is desired, the Sea Glass is the preferred option, while those seeking a heartier feel may opt for the Crystal. Either way, the results obtained from both switches would be similar in terms of overall performance and functionality.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switches offer a unique chirpy and high-pitched sound profile. These switches have a distinct acoustic signature that sets them apart from others, making them stand out if you appreciate a slightly squeaky and crisp sound while typing. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Durock Sea Glass linear switches is unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switches provide a polished typing experience. This means that these switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The typing experience on these switches is sleek and effortless. As for the Durock Sea Glass linear switches, they offer a frictionless and feathery feel. The switches are exceptionally light to press, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Sea Glass switches also offer mild characteristics, meaning they provide a gentle and approachable typing experience. The switch's fluid travel and gentle resistance enhance the overall typing experience.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switches and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switches provide a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, while the Sea Glass switches have an unknown sound signature. The Crystal switches also offer a polished feel with reduced friction, while the Sea Glass switches provide a frictionless, feathery, and mild typing experience. Despite the differences, both switches aim to deliver a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose between the distinctive sound and feel of the Crystal switches or the frictionless and feathery qualities of the Sea Glass switches to achieve similar results.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight switch, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a fairly elastic feel and provide a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you're interested in a captivating selection of pastel colors and a distinct typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the way to go. Despite its medium bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations and offer a smooth and frictionless typing experience. They also produce a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more